After a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Mitt Romney said he is looking forward to Trump's administration.

Romney met with Trump at a golf course in New Jersey on Saturday.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee was an outspoken critic of Trump during the election, calling him a "con man" and a "fraud." But the two have started to make amends since the election. Romney called Trump to congratulate him after his win.

"We had a far-reaching conversation with regards to the various theatres in the world where there are interests of the United States of real significance. We discussed those areas and exchanged our views on those topics. Very thorough and in-depth discussion in the time we had. And, I appreciate the chance to speak with the President-elect, and look forward to the coming administration and the things they are doing. Thank you."

After a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Mitt Romney said he is looking forward to Trump's administration.

Romney met with Trump at a golf course in New Jersey on Saturday.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee was an outspoken critic of Trump during the election, calling him a "con man" and a "fraud." But the two have started to make amends since the election. Romney called Trump to congratulate him after his win.

"We had a far-reaching conversation with regards to the various theatres in the world where there are interests of the United States of real significance. We discussed those areas and exchanged our views on those topics. Very thorough and in-depth discussion in the time we had. And, I appreciate the chance to speak with the President-elect, and look forward to the coming administration and the things they are doing. Thank you."

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his election as the 45th President of the United States and called on the new administration to “strengthen the bonds of international cooperation.” UNIFEED

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his election as the 45th President of the United States and called on the new administration to “strengthen the bonds of international cooperation.”

Speaking to the press today (9 Nov), Ban said after an “often divisive campaign”, it was worth “reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country’s greatest strengths.” He said, “Now more than ever, we must mobilize around the principles and common values of the United Nations Charter.”

The Secretary General also expressed his deep appreciation to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for a “lifetime commitment to peace, the advancement of women and the well-being of children.” He said Clinton had been “a powerful global symbol of women’s empowerment” and had no doubt that she would continue to contribute to the UN’s work across the world.

“I congratulate Mr. Donald Trump on his election as forty-fifth President of the United States of America. In the aftermath of a hard-fought and often divisive campaign, it is worth recalling and reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country’s greatest strengths. I encourage all Americans to stay true to that spirit.”

“The United Nations will count on the new Administration to strengthen the bonds of international cooperation as we strive together to uphold shared ideals, combat climate change, advance human rights, promote mutual understanding and implement the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve lives of peace, prosperity and dignity for all. Now more than ever, we must mobilize around the principles and common values of the United Nations Charter.”

The university was founded by conservative televangelist Jerry Falwell.

Trump pleged to protect Christianity, saying it's under siege.

He also criticized the Iran nuclear agreement, calling it one-sided in Iran's favor.

Trump said US policy has destabilized the Middle East as he had warned would happen when he previously voiced opposition to the war in Iraq.

He said that now "Iran is taking over the Middle East".

POOL

Lynchburg, Virginia - 18 January 2016

++SOTS SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASH++

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Donald Trump, (R) Presidential Candidate:

"I want to win Iowa. Let's see, we've done great...(APPLAUSE)... we've done great with the evangelicals; the evangelicals have been amazing, the Tea Party has been amazing. And we're doing really well there. So we'll see what happens, but we're going to give it our best and I think we could really surprise a lot of people by winning Iowa and then we're just going to clean the table."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Donald Trump, (R) Presidential Candidate:

"2 Corinthians, right, 2 Corinthians 3:17. That's the whole ball game. "Where the spirit of the Lord" -- right? -- "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." And here, there is Liberty College, but -- Liberty University. But it is so true. (APPLAUSE) You know, when you think -- and that's really -- is that the one? Is that the one you like? I think that's the one you like, because I loved it and it's so representative of what's taken place. But we are going to protect Christianity. And if you look what's going on throughout the world, you look at Syria where they're -- if you're Christian, they're chopping off heads. You look at the different places, and Christianity, it's under siege. I'm a Protestant, I'm very proud of it; Presbyterian to be exact. But I'm proud of it, very, very proud of it. And we've got to protect because bad things are happening, very, bad things are happening. And we don't -- I don't know what it is. We don't band together. Maybe other religions, frankly, they're banning together and they're using it."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Donald Trump, (R) Presidential Candidate:

"Iran is taking over the Middle East. We have totally destabilized the Middle East and I said this in 2004. We have totally destabilized the Middle East. It's a disaster. And you look at this new Iran deal which took forever to get done. You look at how bad it is and how one-sided it is. You look at how one-sided this deal is."

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Donald Trump, (R) Presidential Candidate:

"I wrote "The Art of the Deal," I wrote many bestsellers, like "The Art of the Deal" -- everybody read the -- who has read "The Art of the Deal" in this room? Everybody. (LAUGHTER) I always say -- I always say, a deep, deep second to the Bible. The Bible is the best. The Bible -- the Bible blows it away. There's nothing like the bible."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Susan Rice, former National Security Adviser in the Obama Administration:

"It seems that the current administration looks at the world and sees only threats: Immigrants, refugees, Muslims, Mexicans, even trade. It is America first and the rest of the world last. I fully recognize that we face serious threats. I spent eight years actually reading the Presidential Daily Briefing and the last three and a half years personally briefing President Obama. But the world I see is also filled with profound opportunities. Our relationships are not zero sum, they would be mutually beneficial."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Susan Rice, former National Security Adviser in the Obama Administration:

"Conflict is not inevitable. And bluster is for bullies. But our adversaries from Russia to North Korea must know that we will confront them with unity, resolve and with every tool at our disposal. When we employ military force we must use it judiciously because we have learned from Vietnam to Iraq, that even the finest fighting force on Earth cannot defeat the underlying political, economic and sectarian forces that fuel conflict."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Susan Rice, former National Security Adviser in the Obama Administration:

"We can't allow Twitter wars to become shooting wars. So instead of vacillating between reckless saber rattling and dubbing Kim Jung Un a 'smart cookie' we should steadily apply increased pressure on North Korea, while protecting our allies and our homeland. And instead of excusing Russia's outrageous behavior and branding NATO obsolete, we must defend every NATO ally unconditionally and firmly counter Russia's Cold War tactics."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Susan Rice, former National Security Adviser in the Obama Administration:

"Surely we will often disagree, but we sure as hell need to agree that a hostile foreign power has no business messing with our elections. (applause) Because here is the truth, if we cannot find a way to put country over party, Democracy over demagoguery, even in the face of such a dangerous external threat, then we might as well hang up our leadership cleats and resign ourselves to becoming a second rate power. That should not be our future, we are so much better than that."

6. Pan, as Rice leaves stage

STORYLINE:

Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice says the White House under Donald Trump is obsessed with threats.

"It seems that the current administration looks at the world and sees only threats: immigrants, refugees, Muslims, Mexicans, even trade," Rice tells a progressive daylong conference in Washington, D.C., organized by the Center for American Progress.

Rice made a dig a Trump's current intelligence woes by remarking she actually read the Presidential Daily Briefing and personally briefed President Obama for three and a half years on intelligence matters.

Rice also criticizes President Trump's continue use of Twitter to attack his opponents: "we can't allow Twitter wars to become shooting wars."

Refering to allegations of Russian meddling in the US Presidential election, she says that while Republicans and Democrats often disagree, "we sure as hell need to agree that a hostile foreign power has no business messing with our elections."

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"The president is directing an interagency review of the deal to review that, and we have 90 days before the next one comes up, and we'll have more. But, right now we're undergoing a 90 day review, and I think the statement the secretary of state made to Congress clearly stated that the president is directing the National Security Council to lead an interagency review of the plan and evaluate whether suspension sanctions related to Iran, pursuant to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) are in the vital interest of our national security. The letter clearly lays out what the president is going to do to make sure they are living up to their agreement."

4. Reverse angle of Spicer at podium

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter, off-camera: "Is the president concerned that Iran may be cheating on the JCPOA? David Albright, the noted weapons inspector, says they're developing a new centrifuge which he thinks could be a violation.")

"And I think that's why he's asking for this review. If he didn't, if he thought everything was fine, he would have allowed this to move forward. He's doing the prudent thing by asking for a review of the current deal and what's happening."

6. Cutaway of reporter

7. Wide of Spicer at the podium

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter, off-camera: "The president has said that he would like to see the nuclear deal renegotiated with Iran. How specifically does he plan to get a new deal? Is that something he still wants to do?")

"Well, again, that's why we're undergoing this interagency review. Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it in the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal. So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

9. Cutaway of reporters

10. Wide of Spicer speaking to reporters

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"While we're on the topic of upcoming events, I'd like to note the president will welcome Palestinian President Abbas for a visit to Washington on May 3rd. They will use the visit to affirm the commitment of the United States and the Palestinian leadership to pursuing and ultimately concluding a conflict-ending settlement between the Palestinians and Israel.

12. Spicer exiting briefing room

STORYLINE:

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that the US administration is "doing the prudent thing" by conducting a 90-day interagency review of the Iran nuclear deal to make sure Iran is living up to its side of the agreement.

"Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal," Spicer said. "So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

The Trump administration has notified Congress that Iran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama, and says the U.S. has extended the sanctions relief given to the Islamic republic in exchange for curbs on its atomic program.

However, in a letter sent late Tuesday to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the administration has undertaken a full review of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The certification of Iran's compliance, which must be sent to Congress every 90 days, is the first issued by the Trump administration.

The deadline for this certification was midnight.

As a candidate in the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was an outspoken critic of the deal but had offered conflicting opinions on whether he would try to scrap it, modify it or keep it in place with more strenuous enforcement.

Tuesday's determination suggested that while Trump agreed with findings by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, that Iran is keeping to its end of the bargain, he is looking for another way to ratchet up pressure on Tehran.

Spicer also told reporters at the briefing that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled to visit Washington early in May and hold talks with Trump.

===========================================================

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TV CLIPS ARE CLEARED FOR MEDIA BROADCAST AND/OR INTERNET USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS STORY ONLY. NO RE-SALE. NO ARCHIVE.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 5 September 2018

1. Wide shot with zoom in, actor Jim Carrey poses for photographers at the Los Angeles premiere of his new TV series, "Kidding."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Carrey, actor - on what he missed about making movies during a self-imposed break:

"What did I miss? I don't miss anything. I still don't miss anything. I don't, I'm in the business but not of it anymore. (Laughs) I kind of, you know, do things as they come, as they find me and if they're proper to do, if they you know, if they work. If they are something I feel I'm supposed to play and that's it. And it's just the exchange of human beings playing with each other that I like."

SHOWTIME

3. Trailer clip - "Kidding"

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 5 September 2018

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim Carrey, actor - on the role of the kind-hearted Jeff Piccirillo, a television personality who has performed as "Jeff Pickles" on his long-time children's television program "Mr. Pickles' Puppet Time":

"It was attracted to me. And that's how it works for me. You know, these parts find me when I'm ready, you know? And also, I think it's appropriate in the world to remind ourselves of our own innocence and I think this show does that."

"It's hard to understand what's going on. I mean, I really, one minute you feel like, 'Oh my gosh. This is going to be now the landslide's going to start.' And then there will be some other weaselly, you know, other little sidestep they do, whatever it is. And this administration is a rabid dog and it's turning us upside-down. And, as far as I'm concerned, it's as obvious as the nose on your face, you know? But people have made these elections and politics in general who they are. And it's not who you are. You can make a bad decision about a candidate. It's not who you are. It doesn't mean you're dumb. It doesn't mean you're different. It doesn't mean...The trouble with what's happening right now is these, you know, these really negative forces like the Steve Bannons of the world are convincing us that we're separate - that we're not the same country, that there's two countries. There's not two countries. I can break bread with anybody in this country. I love people in this country. I love the heartland of this country. It has nothing to do with that. Is has to do with: It's become obvious that the choice was a bad one. We just need to change it. And if you can't vote for a Democrat, at least let all this flood of information that's so negative and so obvious keep you home."

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of his new Showtime TV dramedy "Kidding" Wednesday (5 SEPT. 2018), the 56-year-old Canadian, who received United States citizenship in 2004 and remains a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, said people should try to see beyond the political divisiveness of the country that Trump's election has caused.

"This administration is a rabid dog and it's turning us upside-down. And, as far as I'm concerned, it's as obvious as the nose on your face, you know? But people have made these elections and politics in general who they are. And it's not who you are. You can make a bad decision about a candidate. It's not who you are. It doesn't mean you're dumb. It doesn't mean you're different."

"I can break bread with anybody in this country," he continued. "I love people in this country. I love the heartland of this country. It has nothing to do with that. Is has to do with: It's become obvious that the choice was a bad one. We just need to change it. And if you can't vote for a Democrat, at least let all this flood of information that's so negative and so obvious keep you home."

"Kidding" marks Carrey's return to series television for the first time since leaving the sketch comedy "In Living Color" in 1994.

It's also his first major release in two years, during which time his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White committed suicide and a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Carrey by White's husband and mother was dismissed.

"What did I miss?" said Carrey about the industry. "I don't miss anything. I still don't miss anything. I don't, I'm in the business but not of it anymore. I kind of, you know, do things as they come, as they find me and if they're proper to do, if they you know, if they work. If they are something I feel I'm supposed to play and that's it. And it's just the exchange of human beings playing with each other that I like."

In "Kidding," Carrey plays Jeff Piccirillo, a television personality who has performed as "Jeff Pickles" on children's show "Mr. Pickles' Puppet Time" for years.

The series picks up Jeff's story following the death of one of his sons, and reveals that "Pickles" has, in addition to his own heartbreak, a messed-up family (portrayed by Frank Langella, Catherine Keener and Judy Greer).

And, yet, in those worst of times, Jeff remains a kind, if troubled, soul.

"You know, these parts find me when I'm ready, you know? And also, I think it's appropriate in the world to remind ourselves of our own innocence and I think this show does that."

After a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump, Mitt Romney said he is looking forward to Trump's administration.

Romney met with Trump at a golf course in New Jersey on Saturday.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee was an outspoken critic of Trump during the election, calling him a "con man" and a "fraud." But the two have started to make amends since the election. Romney called Trump to congratulate him after his win.

"We had a far-reaching conversation with regards to the various theatres in the world where there are interests of the United States of real significance. We discussed those areas and exchanged our views on those topics. Very thorough and in-depth discussion in the time we had. And, I appreciate the chance to speak with the president-elect, and look forward to the coming administration and the things they are doing. Thank you."

"I get more concerned everyday because there doesn't seem to be much of a coherent plan. What the (US) President and his administration do on a day to day basis, it's hard to follow and figure out where it's leading. There's a lot of misdirection, a lot of contradiction. I think it's not only troubling within our own country but it also undermines America's leadership around the world."

++BLACK FRAMES++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Hilary Clinton, Former US Secretary of State:

(on the announcement by ex-FBI Director James Comey that an investigation of her emails had been reopened ahead of the 2016 election)

"That's hard to square with the failure of either he or the FBI to disclose to people that there was an active investigation going on about potential Russian interference in our Presidential election and the potential involvement, or at least association in some way, by supporters of, then, Mr Trump. So I've never understood that. I try to keep two things in my mind at he same time. I don't know why he treated me the way he did and none of his explanations, frankly, hold water. There's been a lot of criticism from other prosecutors and other government officials who point out that what he did was unprecedented, both in July and in October. But there's also contemporaneous evidence of his interactions with Donald Trump after the election that are of importance in the ongoing investigation so I don't understand why he did what he did in 2016 but I will, you know, continue to follow what goes on in the investigation of which he is now a part."

++BLACK FRAMES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Hilary Clinton, Former US Secretary of State:

(on the Russian election interference investigation)

"We don't know. There's certainly a lot of smoke. How much fire it turns out to be, we'll find out when the investigation is completed."

++BLACK FRAMES++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Hilary Clinton, Former US Secretary of State:

(on the Russian election interference investigation)

"I mean our only recent historical experience is with Richard Nixon. And until the very end, he had a solid base of support within the country, predominantly within the Republican Party, but once the evidence was actually presented, it forced him to resign. So I don't think any of us can tell where it's going."

++BLACK FRAMES++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Hilary Clinton, Former US Secretary of State:

(on the Russian election interference investigation)

"Maybe it will find nothing you know. Maybe all these stories and all of the finger pointing will add up to some perhaps unethical or unsavoury behaviour but nothing illegal. We don't know."

++BLACK FRAMES++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Hilary Clinton, Former US Secretary of State:

(on talks between the US and North Korea)

"If there is a positive outcome that can be verified, particularly with respect to the North Korean nuclear programme, that has built in safeguards so that it is sustainable, not a one off announcement at a summit, I will join in the applause because that is something that will be good for the world if it can be brought about. But it's way too soon to tell and even if there is some kind of an announcement coming out of such a meeting, you have to wait and see because we've been down this road with the North before where they've made promises and then, within a year or more, it's determined that they've broken those promises so I think it's certainly hopeful but I can't be either optimistic or pessimistic at this time."

++ENDS ON SOUNDBITE++

STORYLINE:

Former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has spoken of her concern regarding the current US administration, telling an Australian TV network that "there doesn't seem to be much of a coherent plan."

In an interview broadast on Monday on the AuBC programme 'The 7.30 Report', Clinton said "what the president and his administration do on a day to day basis, it's hard to follow and figure out where it's leading".

She added that the "misdirection" and "contradiction" undermined not only the US as a country but also its position around the world.

Clinton also commented on ex-FBI Director James Comey announcing ahead of the 2016 election that an investigation of her emails had been reopened.

She said Comey's decision was "hard to square with the failure of either he or the FBI to disclose to people that there was an active investigation going on about potential Russian interference in our Presidential election and the potential involvement, or at least association in some way, by supporters of, then, Mr Trump. "

While on the investigation by American Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller into that potential collusion between Trump's presidential campaign at the time and Russian entities, Clinton stated "maybe it will find nothing, you know."

On North Korea meanwhile, she said she would "join in with the applause" if there is a positive outcome in respect to recent developments in North Korea-South-Korea-US relations and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

===========================================================

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said the US list of top Russian officials and businesspeople to be sanctioned harms relations between the two countries.

Just 12 minutes before the deadline, US President Donald Trump's administration late on Monday released a long-awaited list of 114 Russian politicians and 96 "oligarchs" who have flourished under Putin, fulfilling a demand by Congress that the US punish Moscow for interfering in the 2016 U.S. election.

The section on political leaders includes the entire Kremlin administration and the Cabinet as well as other top officials.

Speaking at a campaign event in Moscow, Putin, who is running for president at the March election, said Russia would not "provoke and aggravate the situation", and wanted to build better relations.

He said he does not expect the publication to have any impact but expressed dismay at the scope of the officials and business people listed.

Moscow - 30 January 2018

1. Various of Russian President Vladimir Putin arriving at presidential campaign event

2. Banner reading (Russian) "Strong President - Strong Russia"

3. Wide of hall

4. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:

"(The US sanctions include) Presidential administration, the whole of our government, all the business. Ordinary Russian citizens, employees and entire industries are behind each of those people and companies, so all 146 million people have essentially been put on this list. What is the point of this? I don't understand."

5. Audience

6. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:

"But this definitely isn't a friendly act. It complicates Russian-American relations which are already complicated and harms international relations in general."

7. Audience

8. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:

"We are not going to provoke and aggravate the situation. We want and we will be patiently building the relations as much as the other party - that of the US in this case - is willing to."

9. Audience

10. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President:

"We are not interested in ending relations, on a contrary we want to develop our relations with the United States. I'm sure that people in the US as well as people in Russia are interested in this and, overall, people in the whole world will breathe a sigh of relief if they see that two largest nuclear states are building their relations in a modern way and with respect to each other."

On Capitol Hill, there was a predictably mixed reaction to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from a nuclear accord with Iran.

While some members of Congress expressed concern, saying the president made a mistake, other Senators praised the move.

"I'm glad we are out of it." Sen. Marco Rubio said after the president's announcement. "Iran ... is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican presidential primary, said he is not surprised President Trump made the decision to withdraw from the deal, as he had made a promise to do so during the presidential campaign.

Sen. Chris Coons, who sits on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the decision makes the U.S. "less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our allies."

The 2015 agreement had lifted most U.S. and international sanctions against Iran. In return, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program that would make it impossible to produce a bomb, along with rigorous inspections.

Washington - 8 May 2018

++SOTS SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Ben Cardin, (D) Maryland:

"I think the president's made a mistake and our objective is to make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon and to take action against their non-nuclear violations with cooperation of our European partners. And withdrawing from the nuclear agreement isolates America. I think it helps Iran and it works against our objectives to control their type of activities. We need to strictly enforce the nuclear agreement, we need to build on it. We need to isolate Iran. We need to work with our partners and the president by withdrawing from the international agreement has isolated America."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"Thoughts? Yeah, I'm glad we're out of it. Because it was a terrible deal and if you look at Iran today, they're stronger and more dangerous than they were before the deal. In Yemen, they have effective control, in Syria, they've started a civil war in Yemen. Hezbollah has more weapons and more reach and more political power in Lebanon than ever before. They've exploited the Gulf kingdom divide. The military budgets have grown exponentially. Iran has more influence and is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"They knew what was coming. Our allies have known for months and - but here's the bottom line. I campaigned for president and for Senate on the promise of getting rid of this deal. He won on the same promise - he was elected to do this, this is what he said he was going to do. I don't know why it surprises people that someone runs for president. gets elected on the promise of getting rid of the Iran deal and then gets rid of it."

"I think that agreement, obviously, had problems. It didn't address Iran's maligned behavior or ballistic missiles. But after you were in it and after Iran has already realized the benefits of it - to now allow them to get out of their obligations on the nuclear side would be foolhardy, in my view. And also it says more about our willingness to work with our allies. We're having enough problems around the world, in terms of our reliability - whether it's trade or you know commercial engagements or security arrangements - to add this now at this point would not be good for us- particularly the knock on effects on other agreements, perhaps with North Korea or certainly security challenges or challenges that are yet to come."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Chris Coons, (D) Delaware:

"This is a truly disappointing development. I think President Trump makes us less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our European allies with whom we crafted a deal that stopped the advance of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. I've got a couple of questions for the president. After this, how will we gain North Korea's confidence in any future agreement and how will we gain the confidence of our partners in the JCPOA, the Iran deal - China and Russia, Germany, France and the UK that we will have the inclination to stick with any future deal? I don't think it makes us any safer."

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Susan Collins, (R) Maine:

"I didn't see the president's comments yet. In general, I felt that the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and other parties was flawed because it did not pertain to ballistic missiles and it essentially gave sanctions relief without taking away the ability of the Iranians to ultimately build a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, I would've preferred a course of action where the president worked with our allies to fix those flaws."

On Capitol Hill, there was a predictably mixed reaction to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from a nuclear accord with Iran.

While some members of Congress expressed concern, saying the president made a mistake, other Senators praised the move.

"I'm glad we are out of it." Sen. Marco Rubio said after the president's announcement. "Iran ... is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican presidential primary, said he is not surprised President Trump made the decision to withdraw from the deal, as he had made a promise to do so during the presidential campaign.

Sen. Chris Coons, who sits on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the decision makes the U.S. "less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our allies."

The 2015 agreement had lifted most U.S. and international sanctions against Iran. In return, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program that would make it impossible to produce a bomb, along with rigorous inspections.

Washington - 8 May 2018

++SOTS SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Ben Cardin, (D) Maryland:

"I think the president's made a mistake and our objective is to make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon and to take action against their non-nuclear violations with cooperation of our European partners. And withdrawing from the nuclear agreement isolates America. I think it helps Iran and it works against our objectives to control their type of activities. We need to strictly enforce the nuclear agreement, we need to build on it. We need to isolate Iran. We need to work with our partners and the president by withdrawing from the international agreement has isolated America."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"Thoughts? Yeah, I'm glad we're out of it. Because it was a terrible deal and if you look at Iran today, they're stronger and more dangerous than they were before the deal. In Yemen, they have effective control, in Syria, they've started a civil war in Yemen. Hezbollah has more weapons and more reach and more political power in Lebanon than ever before. They've exploited the Gulf kingdom divide. The military budgets have grown exponentially. Iran has more influence and is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"They knew what was coming. Our allies have known for months and - but here's the bottom line. I campaigned for president and for Senate on the promise of getting rid of this deal. He won on the same promise - he was elected to do this, this is what he said he was going to do. I don't know why it surprises people that someone runs for president. gets elected on the promise of getting rid of the Iran deal and then gets rid of it."

"I think that agreement, obviously, had problems. It didn't address Iran's maligned behavior or ballistic missiles. But after you were in it and after Iran has already realized the benefits of it - to now allow them to get out of their obligations on the nuclear side would be foolhardy, in my view. And also it says more about our willingness to work with our allies. We're having enough problems around the world, in terms of our reliability - whether it's trade or you know commercial engagements or security arrangements - to add this now at this point would not be good for us- particularly the knock on effects on other agreements, perhaps with North Korea or certainly security challenges or challenges that are yet to come."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Chris Coons, (D) Delaware:

"This is a truly disappointing development. I think President Trump makes us less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our European allies with whom we crafted a deal that stopped the advance of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. I've got a couple of questions for the president. After this, how will we gain North Korea's confidence in any future agreement and how will we gain the confidence of our partners in the JCPOA, the Iran deal - China and Russia, Germany, France and the UK that we will have the inclination to stick with any future deal? I don't think it makes us any safer."

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Susan Collins, (R) Maine:

"I didn't see the president's comments yet. In general, I felt that the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and other parties was flawed because it did not pertain to ballistic missiles and it essentially gave sanctions relief without taking away the ability of the Iranians to ultimately build a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, I would've preferred a course of action where the president worked with our allies to fix those flaws."

The Iran nuclear agreement cannot be destroyed by the incoming US administration, says a former International Atomic Energy Agency chief, despite president-elect Donald Trump's criticism of the deal during the presidential campaign.

Hans Blix believes Washington "can put obstacles in the way" but stressed, however, that the deal is backed by the entire UN Security Council, so ripping it up could prove very difficult.

Along the campaign trail, Trump issued a variety of statements about last year's pact, calling it "stupid," a "lopsided disgrace" and the "worst deal ever negotiated."

He also railed against its time-limited restrictions on Iran's enrichment of uranium and other nuclear activity, painting US and European concessions in often cartoonish hyperbole.

During the campaign, Trump also appeared to encourage the development of nuclear weapons by other allied states, however Blix believes this will change once he takes office.

"He will realise that if Japan were to move for nuclear weapons - and they could do so in a very short time if they wanted to - that the whole political situation and atmosphere in the Far East would be very, very different," he argued.

Stockholm - 10 November 2016

1. Various of former IAEA (the International Atomic Energy Agency) chief Hans Blix taking part in panel discussion in Sweden about small-arms control

2. Close-up on face of Blix

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Blix, former IAEA chief:

"I think it would be very difficult for the US to extricate (itself) from that (Iran nuclear) agreement. And I think it was to the great credit of Obama and Hillary Clinton that they stood behind it. And I think it gives...if it were not for that agreement, there would be a greater risk that Iran might move towards nuclear weapons."

4. Cutaway

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Blix, former IAEA chief:

"To tear it up (the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers), I think would be very difficult. Because it is not just a bilateral agreement between the US and Iran. It's also Russia, it's China, it's UK and France, and it is the whole (UN) Security Council that stands behind it. And the UN Security Council have lifted the sanctions. The UN sanctions are no longer there, European sanctions are no longer there. Maybe the US under Trump would obstruct and that they would let their financial institutions to consider powers to prevent transactions in (US) dollars with Iran, so they can put obstacles in the way, but they cannot destroy the agreement."

6. Various cutaways

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Blix, former IAEA chief:

"I think that he will recognise that the world is a lot more dangerous for the US and for everybody if there are more states that have nuclear weapons than less. Trump has made some statements that question this. He said well why shouldn't (the) Japanese have their weapons or South Koreans have their weapons. But I think that better advice and looking at the matter more closely, he will realise that if Japan were to move for nuclear weapons - and they could do so in a very short time if they wanted to - that the whole political situation and atmosphere in the Far East would be very, very different."

8. Cutaway

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Blix, former IAEA chief:

"Now, one has to make some distinction between what politicians say in election campaigns and in other... And I think that he has been very careless in the election campaign. It could come out this way or it could come out that way. But once you are in an institution, there are many factors available to you. You have the big military establishment of the United States: they are not reckless. I may not always agree with them, certainly not, but they are not reckless."

10. Cutaway

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Blix, former IAEA chief:

"We need a detente in the world in order to get back to climate. Whether that will happen under Trump, we don't know, he is a very touchy guy and maybe he is someone to fear that if you step on his toes he will touch the button (nuclear trigger). But he is also someone who thinks very freely, who is not wedded to old doctrines. And that could in some situations be an advantage. One has the impression that he is not keen on interventionism for instance. In that sense similar to Obama - Obama did not intervene in Libya, he did not intervene in Syria, he did not want to have a no-fly-zone in Syria, which Hillary (Clinton) wanted to have. So it's still open questions here."

On Capitol Hill, there was a predictably mixed reaction to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from a nuclear accord with Iran.

While some members of Congress expressed concern, saying the president made a mistake, other Senators praised the move.

"I'm glad we are out of it." Sen. Marco Rubio said after the president's announcement. "Iran ... is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican presidential primary, said he is not surprised President Trump made the decision to withdraw from the deal, as he had made a promise to do so during the presidential campaign.

Sen. Chris Coons, who sits on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the decision makes the U.S. "less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our allies."

The 2015 agreement had lifted most U.S. and international sanctions against Iran. In return, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program that would make it impossible to produce a bomb, along with rigorous inspections.

Washington - 8 May 2018

++SOTS SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Ben Cardin, (D) Maryland:

"I think the president's made a mistake and our objective is to make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon and to take action against their non-nuclear violations with cooperation of our European partners. And withdrawing from the nuclear agreement isolates America. I think it helps Iran and it works against our objectives to control their type of activities. We need to strictly enforce the nuclear agreement, we need to build on it. We need to isolate Iran. We need to work with our partners and the president by withdrawing from the international agreement has isolated America."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"Thoughts? Yeah, I'm glad we're out of it. Because it was a terrible deal and if you look at Iran today, they're stronger and more dangerous than they were before the deal. In Yemen, they have effective control, in Syria, they've started a civil war in Yemen. Hezbollah has more weapons and more reach and more political power in Lebanon than ever before. They've exploited the Gulf kingdom divide. The military budgets have grown exponentially. Iran has more influence and is more dangerous today than it was the day before the deal was signed."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Marco Rubio, (R) Florida:

"They knew what was coming. Our allies have known for months and - but here's the bottom line. I campaigned for president and for Senate on the promise of getting rid of this deal. He won on the same promise - he was elected to do this, this is what he said he was going to do. I don't know why it surprises people that someone runs for president. gets elected on the promise of getting rid of the Iran deal and then gets rid of it."

"I think that agreement, obviously, had problems. It didn't address Iran's maligned behavior or ballistic missiles. But after you were in it and after Iran has already realized the benefits of it - to now allow them to get out of their obligations on the nuclear side would be foolhardy, in my view. And also it says more about our willingness to work with our allies. We're having enough problems around the world, in terms of our reliability - whether it's trade or you know commercial engagements or security arrangements - to add this now at this point would not be good for us- particularly the knock on effects on other agreements, perhaps with North Korea or certainly security challenges or challenges that are yet to come."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Chris Coons, (D) Delaware:

"This is a truly disappointing development. I think President Trump makes us less safe, less secure by weakening our bonds with our European allies with whom we crafted a deal that stopped the advance of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. I've got a couple of questions for the president. After this, how will we gain North Korea's confidence in any future agreement and how will we gain the confidence of our partners in the JCPOA, the Iran deal - China and Russia, Germany, France and the UK that we will have the inclination to stick with any future deal? I don't think it makes us any safer."

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sen. Susan Collins, (R) Maine:

"I didn't see the president's comments yet. In general, I felt that the agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and other parties was flawed because it did not pertain to ballistic missiles and it essentially gave sanctions relief without taking away the ability of the Iranians to ultimately build a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, I would've preferred a course of action where the president worked with our allies to fix those flaws."

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday (19 NOV. 2016) demanded an apology from the cast member of "Hamilton" who gave Vice President-elect Mike Pence an onstage earful about equality.

After the curtain call on Friday evening, actor Brandon Victor Dixon told Pence that the multiracial and multicultural cast was concerned about the Trump administration.

Pence, a Republican, ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message but heard the full remarks from the hallway outside the auditorium.

"Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theatre by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "The theatre must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologise!"

The atmosphere was tense from the time the vice president-elect arrived at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, triggering both cheers and boos as he slipped into row F in the prime orchestra seats. After the curtain-call, Dixon called Pence out from the stage, with the cast behind him.

"Hamilton", which has won 11 Tony Awards, has been praised by politicians and rap stars alike.

The first family has been big boosters of the show. US President Barack Obama took daughters Sasha and Malia to see it last year after first lady Michelle Obama caught it last spring. Pence's predecessor, Vice President Joe Biden, has also seen it.

TWITTER-DONALD TRUMP- NO RE-USE/RE-SALE WITHOUT CLEARANCE

Internet - 19 November 2016

1. Screen grab of Twitter post by US President-elect Donald Trump condemning Vice President-elect Mike Pence being "harassed" at a New York theatre

2. Screen grab of Twitter post by US President-elect Donald Trump demanding that Hamilton cast member apologise to Mike Pence

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday demanded an apology from the cast member of Hamilton who gave Vice President-elect Mike Pence an onstage earful about equality.

After the curtain call on Friday evening, actor Brandon Victor Dixon told Pence that the multiracial and multicultural cast was concerned about the Trump administration.

Pence, a Republican, ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message but heard the full remarks from the hallway outside the auditorium.

"Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theatre by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "The theatre must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologise!"

The atmosphere was tense from the time the vice president-elect arrived at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, triggering both cheers and boos as he slipped into row F in the prime orchestra seats. After the curtain-call, Dixon called Pence out from the stage, with the cast behind him.

"Hamilton", which has won 11 Tony Awards, has been praised by politicians and rap stars alike.

The first family has been big boosters of the show. US President Barack Obama took daughters Sasha and Malia to see it last year after first lady Michelle Obama caught it last spring. Pence's predecessor, Vice President Joe Biden, has also seen it.

TWITTER-DONALD TRUMP - NO RE-USE/RE-SALE WITHOUT CLEARANCE

Internet - 19 November 2016

1. Screen grab of Twitter post by US President-elect Donald Trump condemning Vice President-elect Mike Pence being "harassed" at a New York theatre

2. Screen grab of Twitter post by US President-elect Donald Trump demanding that Hamilton cast member apologise to Mike Pence

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China of attempting to interfere with the upcoming United States congressional elections, and claimed its efforts are motivated by opposition to his tough trade policy.

Trump, speaking in front of world leaders while chairing the United Nations Security Council for the first time, did not present evidence for his claim, which came amid an ongoing special counsel investigation into Russia's attempts to interfere in the 2016 US election and concerns that the November elections could also be vulnerable.

"Regrettably, we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election," Trump said "They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade."

US officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

With the elections less than two months away, US intelligence officials have said they are not now seeing the intensity of Russian intervention registered in 2016 but are particularly concerned about activity by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

UNTV

New York - 26 September 2018

1. Wide, UN Security Council

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, President of the United States:

"I announced earlier this year that the United States would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. This horrible one-sided deal allowed Iran to continue its path towards a bomb and gave the regime a cash lifeline when they needed it the most. They were in big, big trouble. They needed cash. We gave it to them. In the years since the deal was signed, Iran's aggression only increased. The regime used new funds from the deal to support terrorism, build nuclear capable missiles and foment chaos."

3. Cutaway, UN Security Council

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, President of the United States:

"Following America's withdrawal the United States began re-imposing nuclear related sanctions on Iran. All US nuclear related sanctions will be in full force by early November. They will be in full force. After that the United States will pursue additional sanctions, tougher than ever before to counter the entire range of Iran's malign conduct. Any individual or entity who fails to comply with these sanctions will face severe consequences."

5. Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Ja'afari listening

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, President of the United States:

"I ask all members of the Security Council to work with the United States to ensure the Iranian regime changes its behaviour and never acquires a nuclear bomb."

7. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov listening

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, President of the United States:

++PARTIALLY OVERLAID BY CUTAWAY OF LAVROV++

"With all of this said I want to thank Iran, Russia and Syria for, at my very strong urging and request, substantially slowing down their attack on Idlib province and the 3 million people who live there in order to get 35,000 targeted terrorists.Get the terrorists, but I hope the restraint continues. The world is watching."

"In my remarks yesterday to the United Nations General Assembly, I laid out my administration's commitment to building a more just and peaceful future. Regrettably, we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November, against my administration. They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade and we are winning on trade. We are winning at every level. We don't want them to meddle or interfere in our upcoming election."

North Korea's ambassador to Britain said on Tuesday that his country has no interest in presumptive US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's offer to open nuclear talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Ambassador Hyon Hak Bong said in London on Tuesday that Pyongyang views Trump's offer as an electoral ploy that is not serious.

Hyon said that "we see it as the dramatics of a popular actor," adding that US presidential candidates say a lot of things during a campaign but once they assume power they always adopt a hostile stance toward North Korea.

Trump said last week he is open to meeting with Kim Jong Un, which would represent a sharp alteration in US policy.

The Obama administration says it is willing to resume talks with North Korea but only if the North commits itself to the goal of abandoning its nuclear weapons program.

Hyon said North Korea needs its nuclear weapons for self-defence and to protect its sovereignty.

He said the "six-party talks" aimed at ending his country's nuclear weapons program through negotiations are "dead."

No sitting US president has met with the leader of North Korea.

North Korea's ambassador to Britain said on Tuesday that his country has no interest in presumptive US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's offer to open nuclear talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Ambassador Hyon Hak Bong said in London on Tuesday that Pyongyang views Trump's offer as an electoral ploy that is not serious.

Hyon said that "we see it as the dramatics of a popular actor," adding that US presidential candidates say a lot of things during a campaign but once they assume power they always adopt a hostile stance toward North Korea.

Trump said last week he is open to meeting with Kim Jong Un, which would represent a sharp alteration in US policy.

The Obama administration says it is willing to resume talks with North Korea but only if the North commits itself to the goal of abandoning its nuclear weapons program.

Hyon said North Korea needs its nuclear weapons for self-defence and to protect its sovereignty.

He said the "six-party talks" aimed at ending his country's nuclear weapons program through negotiations are "dead."

No sitting US president has met with the leader of North Korea.

London - 24 May 2016

1. Various set up of North Korea's Ambassador to Britain Hyon Hak Bong

"We know that he (Trump) indicated his intention, but we take it not as a meaningful one. We don't take it as a meaningful one. We see it as nothing but dramatics of a popular actor to create a juncture favourable to his election campaign."

"Historically US candidates say this or that, a lot of things during the campaign but after resuming Presidency they prolong the existing anti DPR Korea policy to stifle our socialist system and to make pressure or sanctions. So, you know, we know them, that is why I characterise the remarks as an actor’s play."

“US hostile policy has pushed the DPR Korea into having nuclear weapons. So if we want to cure somebody's illness, we should find out the root cause of the illness. It’s the same. If nuclear weapons, our nuclear program or nuclear issue could be resolved, the root cause should be resolved first, that is the hostile policy and nuclear threat by the United States.”

United States President, Donald J. Trump told the Security Council that “additional sanctions, tougher than ever before to counter the entire range of Iran’s malign conduct” will be imposed. He warned that “any individual or entity that fails to comply with these sanctions will face severe consequences.” Trump also accused China of meddling in US elections. UNIFEED

United States President, Donald J. Trump told the Security Council today (26 Se) that following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), “all US nuclear related sanctions will be in full force by early November,” and announced that “additional sanctions, tougher than ever before to counter the entire range of Iran’s malign conduct” will be imposed.

Trump warned that “any individual or entity that fails to comply with these sanctions will face severe consequences.”

At the same time, Trump thanked Iran, as well as Syria and Russia, for “at my very strong urging and request – substantially slowing down their attack on Idlib Province and the 3 million people who live there in order to get 35,000 targeted terrorists.”

A deal was reached last week between Russia and Turkey to create a demilitarized buffer zone protecting citizens in Syria’s Idlib region. Some 10,000 fighters in the Syrian province are classified as terrorists by the United nations.

The US President went on to accuse China of “attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November against my administration.”

He said that Chine does not want “me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade. And we are wining on trade. We are wining at every level.”

China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, responded that “China all along has followed the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs.”

Wang said, “we refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China and we call upon other countries to also observe the purposes of the UN Charter and not to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.”

France’s President Emmanuel Macron told the Council that “the JCPOA is imperfect,” but is “a decisive step” in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Macron said, “a serious crisis of confidence was opened by the re-imposition of extraterritorial sanctions by the United States, but Teheran continues abiding by its nuclear obligations.”

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, said the JCPOA “remains the best means of preventing Iran developing a nuclear weapon and added that the UK is “committed to preserving the JCPOA as long as Iran continues to abide by its obligations in full. Iran must ensure they implement their obligations fully.”

For his part, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, told the Council that “the dismantlement of the JCPOA would also be counterproductive for the efforts underway to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.”

Lavrov said “there are also serious obstacles to nuclear non-proliferation in the decision made by the United States to postpone for a long time, perhaps indefinitely, the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the absence of progress in implementing the NPT decision to create a weapons of mass destruction free zone in the Middle East. “

The President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, noted than Latin America has been a nuclear free zone for over half a century and said “Bolivia categorically rejects the unilateral measures imposed by the United States government against Iran. Thereby, it condemns the fact that the United States has withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action using excused in order to continue with its policies of interference and intervention in the internal affairs of that brotherly country.”

RECENT - NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, exterior, United Nations Headquarters

2. Wide shot, Security Council

3. Wide shot, audience

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald J. Trump, President, United States:

“All US nuclear related sanctions will be in full force by early November. They will be in full force. After that, the United States will pursue additional sanctions, tougher than ever before to counter the entire range of Iran’s malign conduct. Any individual or entity that fails to comply with these sanctions will face severe consequences.”

5. Wide shot, Council

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald J. Trump, President, United States:

“With all of this said, I want to thank Iran, Russia, and Syria, for – at my very strong urging and request – substantially slowing down their attack on Idlib Province and the 3 million people who live there in order to get 35,000 targeted terrorists.”

7. Med shot, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

8. Med shot, Syria’s Ambassador Bashar al-Ja’afari

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald J. Trump, President, United States:

“Regrettably we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November against my administration. They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade. And we are wining on trade. We are wining at every level. We don’t want them to meddle or interfere in our upcoming election”

10. Med shot, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi

11. Med shot, Lavrov

12. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, China:

“I need to point out that China all along has followed the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. This is a tradition of Chinese foreign policy. As observant of this principle, it has received acclaim from the international community. We did not and will not interfere in any country’s domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China and we call upon other countries to also observe the purposes of the UN Charter and not to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.”

13. Med shot, Iran representative

14. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, President, France:

“I am convinced that all of us here hold the same objective, namely preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and guaranteeing strict international control on the peaceful use of their nuclear programme. The JCPOA is imperfect, but it is a decisive step in that exact direction. A serious crisis of confidence was opened by the re-imposition of extraterritorial sanctions by the United States, but Teheran continues abiding by its nuclear obligations.”

“For many years the scale and nature of Iran’s nuclear programme raised serious international concerns. The JCPOA was an important step forward in addressing this. It remains the best means of preventing Iran developing a nuclear weapon. And we are committed to preserving the JCPOA as long as Iran continues to abide by its obligations in full. Iran must ensure they implement their obligations fully and to monitor Iran’s compliance we strongly support the IAEA using inspections and other monitoring provisions of the JCPOA to their full.”

“The dismantlement of the JCPOA would also be counterproductive for the efforts underway to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. These efforts are something that we welcome and support. There are also serious obstacles to nuclear non-proliferation in the decision made by the United States to postpone for a long time, perhaps indefinitely, the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the absence of progress in implementing the NPT decision to create a weapons of mass destruction free zone in the Middle East. “

19. Med shot, Macron

20. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Evo Morales, President, Bolivia:

“Bolivia categorically rejects the unilateral measures imposed by the United States government against Iran. Thereby, it condemns the fact that the United States has withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action using excused in order to continue with its policies of interference and intervention in the internal affairs of that brotherly country.”

"The need for a new foreign policy vision could not be more urgent today. Since the election of the current president, the United States hardly has a foreign policy at all and lest that seem like a partisan jab I should acknowledge that for the better part of my lifetime it has been difficult to identify a consistent foreign policy in the Democratic Party either."

"The decisions are made impulsively, erratically, emotionally and politically. Often delivered by means of early morning tweet with little regard for strategy and no preparation for their long term consequences. We need a strategy."

"The time has come for Congress to repeal and replace that blank check on the use of force and ensure a robust debate on future operations. We should never again send troops into conflict without a clear definition of their mission and an understanding of what will come after."

"You will not see me exchanging love letters, on White House letterhead, with a brutal dictator who starves and murders his own people. But, you will see my administration work to create the conditions that would make it possible to welcome North Korea into the international community. But until we can change the present dynamic until there are good faith and verifiable reversals in North Korea's nuclear program sanctions must remain in place."

"Take the case of Russia, which we should view not as a real estate opportunity, but as a self-interested disruptive and adversarial actor. As the most unequal economy of any major power Russia represents a striking example of what happens when a country attempts to set up capitalism without democracy. And the forces unleashed their nationalism, xenophobia, homophobia and repression of the press are both highly disturbing in that country and disturbingly ascendance in our own country."

"And as we mark the 30 year anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, the challenge of China presents perhaps the most pressing example anywhere of the need to stand for American values amid the rise of a potent alternative. The Chinese alternative is the international expansion of authoritarian capitalism. As we speak, the Chinese government is developing a repressive digital surveillance state. In Xinjiang, up to one million Muslim Uighurs are being interned in so-called re-education camps. And China is investing more than a trillion dollars in its 'Belt and Road Initiative' expanding its political and economic influence by building infrastructure throughout the Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Americas as they happily fill a vacuum left by American withdrawal. Of course, we can cooperate with the Chinese on areas of mutual interest from climate disruption to combating terrorism to international peacekeeping operations. But we also must be prepared to defend our values interests and relationships. "

17. Wide audience applauding as Buttigieg leaves stage

STORYLINE:

Making his first major foreign and national security speech Tuesday, Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg swiped at President Donald Trump's impulsive and erratic foreign policy, "often delivered by means of early morning tweet with little regard for strategy and no preparation for their long term consequences."

The South Bend, Indiana, mayor laid out his foreign policy priorities during a speech at Indiana University.

During the speech, Buttigieg announced he wanted to repeal the 2001 authorization for use of force in Iraq and Afghanistan, calling it a "blank check" that has led to an "endless war."

Buttigieg is a former Navy Reserve officer who deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. He says when he returned after serving he believed U.S. military involvement there was winding down.

He says the U.S. shouldn't send troops into conflict without a clear definition of their mission.

Buttigieg says he'd recommit the U.S. to the Iran nuclear deal, would not exchange "love letters" with North Korea's Kim Jong Un and confront the myriad of challenges posed by both Russia and China.

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